“And you that shall cross from shore to shore years hence are more to me, and more in my meditations, than you might suppose”
~ Walt Whitman, Crossing Brooklyn Ferry
Walt Whitman wrote about it. Joseph Stella painted it. It was the largest bridge of its era, technologically significant, decidedly ingenious, and stunningly beautiful. The Brooklyn Bridge is an icon of America. Stella said that the Brooklyn Bridge was a “shrine containing all the efforts of the new civilization of America”. Looking at its parts, the bridge is a maze of wire and cable, memorable Gothic arches, pedestrian walkways and the thrilling prospect of the view of the city’s skyscrapers. The Brooklyn Bridge is a symbol of architectural and engineering prowess. Our hands-on version allows children and families the opportunity to explore its inherent tension for themselves. The Gothic arches are fixed elements, but challenge occurs when young architects try to span and suspend planks the length of the bridge towers. Toggle and lace the tension cables to hold the constructed span in place. Then add ramps to allow pedestrians, cars, and trucks to cross the Brooklyn Bridge.

The beauty of this product is that it fits with and works with all basic wood block systems that every school has already. Adding this element to your own kit of parts extends learning and play opportunities. It adds “stickiness”. Young urban planners and architects will delight in their own engineering successes – over and over again.

The Brooklyn Bridge product will be available in 2014, as part of our new line of “sticky” products coming to your school, organization, or home very soon.